Queens’ Lantern Fest Glows in Corona

Corona’s park shimmered last night with Queens’ Lantern Fest, lighting NYC’s spring night. Host Jay Patel handed glows as 200 walked, a $5 lantern bash by the lake. It’s borough gleam—free vibes, pure Queens soul. A kid waved a star; a pro lit a moon. ‘Queens shines—this is it,’ Patel says, sparking wicks. The dark turned magic.

The fest’s new—April 1’s kickoff, it tripled since RSVPs, packing paths by 7 p.m. Patel’s a Flushing lighter; last night’s crowd hit max—glows bobbed. A breeze snuffed a flame; relit fast—NYC grit glowed. Tips hit $40—lights ruled. #CoronaLanterns trended; Brooklyn’s dim.

Some griped—’Too slow,’ sniped a rusher, dodging beams. Trash flecked—cans dropped; swept quick. A rival’s pitching a LIC glow, splitting wicks. Still, 300 stayed—lanterns reigned. Corona’s never lit so soft.

Patel’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a float if spring bites. ‘NYC’s night—this lifts it,’ he says, packing spares. The fest’s a Queens win—grit meets gleam. It’s a light dance; catch the next. Bring a match—glows fly.